Scisters Salon & Apothecary in La Mesa, California, is redefining the beauty industry with its commitment to sustainability and waste reduction. Co-founders Easton Basjec and Melissa Parker have established a low-waste salon model that not only enhances the client experience but also significantly reduces environmental impact. With a focus on eco-friendly products and practices, Scisters is setting a new precedent in the hair care sector.
A Refreshing Approach to Salon Design
Upon entering Scisters Salon, the absence of conventional salon features is immediately striking. Gone are the rows of plastic shampoo bottles and the overwhelming scent of harsh chemicals; instead, the atmosphere is filled with the inviting aromas of bergamot and vanilla. The salon is furnished with lush houseplants, and the only waste receptacle is a small basket used primarily for coffee cups and wrappers that clients bring from home.
“It’s the smell people comment on straight away,” Parker notes. “They walk in and say: ‘It smells good in here.’ That never happens in a traditional salon.” Since its inception 15 years ago, Scisters has evolved into a beacon of sustainability, reportedly diverting up to 99% of its waste from landfills.
The Hair Care Industry’s Environmental Challenge
The beauty sector faces significant environmental scrutiny, with salons across North America sending an estimated 63,000 pounds of hair and hundreds of tons of chemical-laden products to landfills each day. This alarming statistic highlights the industry’s reliance on materials that not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to salon staff and clients alike. Many conventional hair care products contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, which have been linked to various health issues.
Parker and Basjec believe that beauty should not come at the expense of the planet or the health of their clients. Their journey towards sustainability began after a pivotal moment where they questioned the ecological footprint of the beauty industry. This introspection coincided with Parker’s health struggles due to exposure to salon chemicals, prompting a transformative shift in their business model.
Shifting Towards Sustainable Practices
The duo’s transformation of Scisters involved a thorough reassessment of products and services. They discontinued treatments like perms that release formaldehyde and phased out major corporate brands in favour of environmentally friendly alternatives. However, switching to sustainable products posed challenges, as they were concerned about maintaining performance and client satisfaction.
Determined to create a viable alternative, they enrolled in formulation design courses and launched their own line, Element, in 2019. Made in California and packaged in refillable glass and aluminium containers, Element features natural ingredients such as organic aloe and wheat protein. Clients are encouraged to utilise the salon’s “jar library,” where they can bring in their own containers for refills.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions
Scisters has implemented numerous innovative waste management strategies. For instance, the salon collaborates with local waste companies to recycle hair clippings, which can be composted or repurposed for various uses. The team also washes and reuses foils and has replaced traditional waxing methods with a sugar-based hair removal technique that is compostable and free from plastic.
Parker and Basjec have even reimagined their energy consumption by switching to LED lighting and installing Ecoheads sprayers in their shampoo bowls. While they acknowledge that achieving absolute zero waste is implausible, they are committed to minimising their environmental footprint as much as possible. Their strategy includes shipping any remaining plastic waste to Green Circle Salons for specialised processing.
Financial Viability of Going Green
The transition to sustainable practices required an initial investment; however, Parker asserts that it has proven to be financially beneficial. “Overall, it’s actually less expensive. We’re not outsourcing to other beauty brands. We’re mindful about systems,” she explains. This focus on sustainability provided a crucial lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Scisters pivoted to a refill model, allowing them to maintain revenue while many competitors struggled.
Denise Baden, a sustainable business professor at the University of Southampton, confirms that adopting eco-friendly practices can indeed lower operating costs. “It’s a misunderstanding that to be eco-friendly, you have to spend more money. Usually, it’s the reverse,” she states, highlighting the potential for salons to influence their communities positively.
Educating and Inspiring Others
Beyond their own salon, Parker and Basjec are dedicated to encouraging other salons to embrace sustainable practices. They regularly speak at events such as the San Diego Zero Waste Symposium and have published guides for salon owners interested in reducing their ecological impact. Their ambition extends to distributing Element products to other salons, demonstrating that low-waste models can be replicated across the industry.
“We get calls from other salons all the time,” Bajsec shares. “It’s not sustainable if we’re the only ones doing it.”
Why it Matters
As the beauty industry grapples with its environmental responsibilities, Scisters Salon & Apothecary stands as a pioneering example of how businesses can thrive while prioritising sustainability. Their innovative practices not only enhance the client experience but also provide a blueprint for the future of the industry, prompting others to consider the ecological implications of their operations. In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, Scisters exemplifies the potential for positive change, proving that beauty can indeed coexist with environmental stewardship.
